SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine - Nominations are now being accepted for the 2014 Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Offensive and Defensive Lineman Awards for Maine high school football players. The awards are given to the top senior-class offensive and defensive linemen in the state based on their hard work on the field, in the classroom, and in their communities. The deadline for nominations is Dec. 5. Award applications and nomination details can be found online at www.gazianolinemanawards.org.

The Frank J. Gaziano Award will be presented on Jan. 24 in Augusta.

The Gaziano Awards are the largest high school scholarships of their kind in the country. Two winners will receive $5,000 each and a trophy, and four runners-up will receive $1,000 each and a trophy. The awards honor the memory of the late Frank J. Gaziano who was a college football All-American and professional player before founding National Distributors, Inc. in South Portland.

"Each year, we are excited to receive the applications and learn the personal stories behind some of the top student athletes in our great state. When you look at the impact the scholarship has made on the previous nominees and the winners, we've seen students pursue their passions ranging from joining the military to attending medical school." said Jeff Kane, president of National Distributors and Frank Gaziano's son-in-law.

The awards selection committee will select finalists from high schools across the state. The award and scholarship presentations to the Gaziano Award winners will be announced during a lunch on Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Augusta Civic Center.

The late Frank J. Gaziano, was an All-American and professional football player. He was also the founder of National Distributors, Inc. in South Portland.

To qualify for consideration, an applicant must be a high school senior, have competed at the varsity level for a minimum of two years and have an exemplary record of positive athletic and non-athletic citizenship. The submission of a student essay and a game film featuring the applicant competing against his two toughest competitors are also part of the application process.

Applicants from all levels of Maine's high school football class system are eligible for the scholarship and are nominated by their coaches. For more information on the scholarship program, visit www.gazianolinemanawards.org or contact the Frank J. Gaziano Lineman Awards Board of Directors at 773-1719, ext. 3303.

All funding for the scholarships and awards is provided by National Distributors, Inc. in South Portland. The awards committee will also be securing sponsorships ranging from $50-$500 so players and families of the student athletes can attend the lunch free of charge. If you are interested in attending the event or contributing to the scholarship fund, contact event coordinator Charlie Gagnon at 363-9141 or email gazianoawards@gmail.com.

Established in 1960, National Distributors Inc. is a family-owned company that has been providing quality beverages to retailers for the benefit of consumers for more than 50 years. Though predominantly servicing retailers in southern Maine, the company continues to provide a variety of products and expand their distribution to central and coastal Maine. National Distributors maintains a strong vision for a greener future with an active environmental program. The company and its more than 170 employees also continue to be proud community leaders and promote the responsible consumption of their products. For more information, visit www.nat-dist.com.